Anyone been to Balthazar (London restaurant)? Or Bob Bob Ricard?

[TroyTheTough]

Looking for somewhere to go just before Christmas- 6 of us, no kids. I'd like somewhere that feels special and celebratory but also approachable (one person is not an adventurous eater but they will be fine with a burger, which I see on the menu). Also Christmassy.

I've left it a bit late and my usual faves are fully booked. Would welcome any thoughts on Balthazar. Could alternatively go to Bob Bob Ricard although I don't know what that's like for lunch- always think of it as a dinner place- but I like the booths.

Thank you.

Not been to either of them but would recommend the noble rot. Have been a few times and has been fabulous.

Been to both and Balthazar probably a bit more of a fun atmosphere. Have a great time

Been to both , Bob Bob in Soho most recently, service & food is good.

I remember Bob Bob Ricard was someone's favourite restaurant on Off Menu, but I can't remember who so this is of no help. It was spoken about very favourably by all of them though!

Balthazar - looks nice but apart from that it’s really a bit meh. Average food and
cold service. You could do better if you stray away from tourist hotspots to be honest!

Both good - though slightly different.

Balthazar more buzzy and will feel very Christmassy being near Covent Garden with the Christmas tree etc. Big rooms, packed. Menu is good but it's definitely kind of brasserie/bistro style.

Bob Bob is a bit more intimate, set across smaller rooms. I think the food is definitely a step up - I'd call it a restaurant (not sure what they call themselves!) as it has that calmer feel and I think the food is up a notch from Balthazar. But might not feel so festive and Christmassy. (Though what's not festive about champagne!)

I f I'm going to be brutally honest, to me Balthazar feels a bit touristy. But it will be busy and festive.

Thanks all. Also very happy to receive other suggestions (to give you an idea what I'm looking for, I'd ideally have booked the Wolseley 2 months ago 😂)

I'd say the Wolseley sits in between in terms of food quality and vibe.

What about the Delaunay?

Been to both and liked both - only thing I would say about Balthazar is the tables are very close together and it get very very noisy so depends on the atmosphere you want

It's super noisy. And sometimes tourists with bags etc.

Bob Bob is fun (push for champagne buttons etc) but food was v simple and quite ordinary - all tasty but nothing out of the common way.

for other suggestions I love Bernard’s Tavern and Bacchanalia

I love Berner's tavern. I'd say that is maybe the closest thing to Wolseley (together with Delaunay?)

But I'd choose Bob Bob Ricard for the food!

ETA to say Berner's not Bernards - and I think you mean that too @ChateauProvence ? It's the autocorrect!

Balthazar is buzzy and busy but service is very cold and clinical and it’s cavernous in there - very noisy!

what about somewhere like Joe Allan’s

edit to add Sophie’s Steakhouse!

Oh Berners Tavern is a good shout, thank you. Delaunay fully booked unfortunately.

@Calliopespa yes! Bloody autocorrect 😂😂

What about the German Gymnasium at King’s Cross? I really like this, it’s got a decently varied menu but there are lots of safe options like schnitzel and sausages. Not too big - it’s a galleried room but the layout is such that it doesn’t feel madly busy.

Or Brasserie Zedel, which is big and noisy but has a safe menu?

Completely agree with this. Balthazar is NYC is great but I was very disappointed in the London one.

Another idea is Fischers.

What about one of the restaurants at The Ned ?

Balthazar is fine but a bit loud. My favourite restaurant in London is Harry’s in Kensington though they have a few branches now!

don’t know if italian/pizza might sound too mundane for christmas but i can’t wait to go to Eve in Kensington, it looks so pretty

has anyone been?

Balthazar - been several times and sometimes had a great time. Sometimes less so.

Another vote for The German Gymnasium.

Always have a soft spot for Brasserie Zedel but can be super touristy depending on time and day of the week.

Bob Bob Richard is fab - best Belinis in the world and who doesn’t love a chequered dance floor?! The upstairs booths are a bit tight for 6, although I have a slight recollection the downstairs ones might be bigger - probably worth checking.

the restaurant in Ham Yard is lovely - always very Christmassy

balthazar is a brunch place imo - food is kind of meh and it’s a much more casual affair.